Eriksson to referee Ghana opener against USA

Swede’s referee Jonas Eriksson will handle Ghana’s World Cup opener against the United States in Natal on Monday, FIFA announced on Saturday.

The 40-year-old has officiated two matches at UEFA EURO 2012 and the second leg of the CONMEBOL/AFC play-off between Uruguay and Jordan in November 2013.

Eriksson’s integrity was questioned this season by Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, after he sent off Martin Demichelis for fouling Barcelona’s Lionel Messi during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between at the Etihad Stadium on February 18 this year.

Eriksson will be assisted by fellow nationals Mathias Klasenius and Daniel Warnmark. Hauata Norbert (from Tahiti) and Range Marwa (from Kenya), will be the fourth official and Reserve Assistant referee respectively.